Our Sorrowful Mother's MinistryHealing and Reconciliation Ministryhttps://osmm.org/
ensupport@onfiremedia.com (On Fire Media Support)Drupal 7Wed, 14 Feb 2018 16:39:00 -0600Wed, 14 Feb 2018 16:39:00 -0600What are the real rules?https://osmm.org/blog/what-are-real-rules
<div class="filter-wysiwyg clearfix"><p>The Code of Canon Law lists the rules for Days of Penance. Contrary to popular belief (myth), the practice of abstaining from meat on Friday was not changed during Vatican II. In fact, a lot of things are attributed to Vatican II are not accurate. But I'll leave that for another post. These regulations are taken from the Code of Canon Law, 1983 edition.</p>
<p>Canon 1249: All members of the Chrisitan faithful in their own way are bound to do penance in virtue of divine law; in order that all may be joined in a common observance of penance, penitential days are prescribed in which the Christian faithful in a special way pray, exercise works of piety and charity, and deny themselves by fulfilling their responsibilities more faithfully and especaially by observing fast and abstinence according to the norm of the following canons.</p>
<p><em>Canon 1250: All Fridays through the year and the time of Lent are penitential days and times throughout the universal Church.</em></p>
<p><em>Canon 1251: Abstinence from eating meat or another food according to the prescriptions of the conference of bishops is to be observed on Fridays throughout the year unless they are solemnities; abstinence and fast are to observed on Ash Wednesday and on Friday of the Passion and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ.</em></p>
<p><em>Canon 1252: All persons who have completed their fourteenth year are bound by the law of abstinence; all adults are bound by the law of fast up to the beginning of their sixtieth year. Nevertheless, pastors and parents are to see to it that minors who are not bound by the law of fast and abstinenece are educated in an authentic sense of penance.</em></p>
<p><em>Canon 1253: It is for the conference of bishops to determine more precisely the observance of fast and abstinence and to substitute in whole or in part for fast and abstinence other forms of penance, especially works of charity and exercises of piety.</em></p>
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<p>So, even though it is allowed to substitute another food instead of meat, we should on a regular basis abstain from a certain food on all Fridays of the year. We must fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, abstaining from meat and only eating one full meal and two smaller meals. We are to abstain from meat on all Fridays of Lent.</p>
<p>The Canon expresses the necessity of adding some forms of piety including devotions, Holy Mass, and prayer. Acts of charity would include anything where your time and talents would serve others. This would of course, include almsgiving where we give generously to those in need.</p>
<p>I think Matthew 6: 1,<em> “[But] take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father." </em>sums up how we should approach Lent. Resolve yourself to becoming more holy this Lent, by praying more, sacrificing more and serving more. Let it be between you and God. It is for Him that we give the glory of all our actions anyway.</p>
</div>ann@osmm.org (Ann Stock)https://osmm.org/blog/what-are-real-rulesWed, 14 Feb 2018 16:39:00 -0600Our Sorrowful Mother's MinistryMake this Lent Counthttps://osmm.org/blog/make-lent-count
<div class="filter-wysiwyg clearfix"><p>Every year when Lent comes around we think of ways to improve our relationship with God. That's really what its about, right? We may think of things we will give up for the 40 days of Lent. Maybe its a favorite food or drink or it maybe televison or social media. We may have ulterior motives such as giving up desserts to help us shed a few pounds. Is it just about sacrificing something for six weeks? We may be a minimalist and only make a very narrow sacrifice. I once heard of someone giving up a particular flavor of ice cream. Did that mean they could eat other flavors whenever they wanted? Didn't seem very difficult.</p>
<p>The point of sacrifice is to gain a greater good. We take away hours of time on the computer or watching television and spend the time reading Scripture or a book from the Church Doctors. We change our schedule to make time for daily mass or adoration. We add a devotion like the daily rosary or the Stations of the Cross. </p>
<p>Make your sacrifice count. Make sure it is measurable. Commiting to being nicer to others is pretty subjective. It is a noble gesture but what about spending time with someone who is challenging to you? Commiting to 15 minutes of prayer every day is better than just saying I'll pray more. Make a daily sacrifice, it can be something different every day and offer it up to God in reparaton for all the offenses to his Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.</p>
<p>Then when Lent is over, continue your new habits of devotion, reading or attending mass or adoration. We don't commit to improving our relationships with our spouses, family or friends for a set period of time and then stop. Why stop adoring and loving God in a greater way when Lent is over?</p>
<p>We should strive to continually grow in our faith. If we aren't growing, we are falling away. There is no such thing as maintaining the status quo in the spiritual life.</p>
</div>ann@osmm.org (Ann Stock)https://osmm.org/blog/make-lent-countThu, 08 Feb 2018 12:32:28 -0600Our Sorrowful Mother's MinistryA Sneak Preview for 2018https://osmm.org/blog/sneak-preview-2018
<div class="filter-wysiwyg clearfix"><p>These are the first two retreats for 2018. Sign-ups will begin soon. Mark your calendars and make an appointment for an Encounter with God.</p>
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<p><strong>January 26-28</strong></p>
<p>Fr. Anthony Gramlich, MIC</p>
<p><em>Marian Apparitions, Finding Truth and Grace</em></p>
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<p><strong>February 9-11</strong></p>
<p>Fr. Lawrence Carney, Chaplain for Sisters of Ephesus</p>
<p><em>Walking the Road to God and Out of the Darkness</em></p>
</div>ann@osmm.org (Ann Stock)https://osmm.org/blog/sneak-preview-2018Sun, 29 Oct 2017 18:35:00 -0500Our Sorrowful Mother's MinistryWhy I Will Continue to Buy Bookshttps://osmm.org/blog/why-i-will-continue-buy-books
<div class="filter-wysiwyg clearfix"><p>I know this is going to sound like the latest conspiracy theory but I think relying only on electronic information has some implications that will affect you.</p>
<p>Everyday, you can find stories where schools or other organizations are debating whether to allow certain books. I recently saw a school district that was going to disallow, <em>To Kill A Mockingbird,</em> because it was offensive to someone. This is just one of many books that are being debated. How can we learn about the past and how things were viewed from that perspective if we don't read about it? Sometimes, being offended inspires us to act. I am horribly offended to read the details of the hatred, persecution and murder of Jews, Catholics and many other groups by the Nazis during WWII. But, by reading about it, I can come to realize the extant of the depravity of man when unchecked. I can recognize oppressive talk that only allows one viewpoint that led to this type of power. </p>
<p>Humor me for a minute with this story. When I update my phone or other electronic devices, I am allowing many things to be altered. A few months back, I read where the emoji of a pistol on my phone was going to be replaced with an image that looks like a squirt gun. I didn't even know my phone had an emoji of a pistol. Apparently, some people were using it along with one of the smiley faces. It was to represent someone saying, "duh" and pointing a gun at their head indicating they had done something really dumb. Harmless, maybe. But if you know someone who has committed suicide, it was offensive. I agree, it was insensitive and thoughtless. I really didn't care they removed the pistol because I had no use for it. Removing the gun isn't going to stop insensitive or thoughtless symbols with the emojis. People will just come up with some other combination of symbols to express their thoughts.</p>
<p>But, it got me thinking. I have many books on my e-reader including the Bible, Catechism, books by saints and popes and other Catholic books. The Church is under serious attack for its centuries long teachings of Jesus Christ. The era of modernism where everyone creates their own truth sees many of the teachings as hatred and intolerance. </p>
<p>What will stop the updates to these devices from omtting words or entire passages of the Bible or other books? Maybe entire books will be deleted because some group doesn't agree with them. How will anyone know if they are reading the Truth of Christ or an edited version from the politically correct and intolerant of Christian values policy makers? You could lose total access to many books if you only have them on an electronic device.</p>
<p>I remember many years ago, the sci-fi book, <em>Fahrenheit 451</em> by Ray Bradbury. Instead of putting out fires, firemen burn books that special interest groups find offensive. Writers began to write books that were so benign that no one would be offended. To solve the problem of which books were offensive and which were not, all books were ordered to be burned.</p>
<p>Doesn't sound like sci-fi today. It sounds prophetic. All information is controlled and anything that may offend someone, (which is impossible not to offend someone) are banned.</p>
<p>So that's why I own several printed copies of the Bible, a Catechism, and books on spirituality and prayer. I also own some of the classics that may soon be banned or altered if on electronic media. In fact, does anyone have a copy of<em> Fahrenheit 451</em>? I want to read it again.</p>
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</div>ann@osmm.org (Ann Stock)https://osmm.org/blog/why-i-will-continue-buy-booksFri, 20 Oct 2017 17:18:20 -0500Our Sorrowful Mother's MinistryThe Emperor's New Clotheshttps://osmm.org/blog/emperors-new-clothes
<div class="filter-wysiwyg clearfix"><p>Maybe you remember as a child, reading the fairy tale, "The Emperor's New Clothes" by Hans Christian Anderson. A very vain and pompous emperor was known for wearing expensive, fancy robes. Two weavers convince him that they can create such fine clothing that only those people who are smart and sophisticated will be able to see them. Anyone to whom the clothing appears invisible are unfit, incompetent or stupid. The day arrives when the emperor, dressed by the two weavers is dressed in his new clothing. They are so "light" and fine the emperor can barely feel them. The emperor, himself, cannot see or feel the clothing but even he plays along. When the emperor parades down the road for all to see, the subjects do not see any clothing but they do not want to appear imcompetent or stupid so no one says anything. The innocence of a child prevails, as he shouts, "But he isn't wearing anything at all!"</p>
<p><strong>Isaiah 5:20 </strong></p>
<p><em>Ah! Those who call evil good, and good evil,</em></p>
<p><em>who change darkness to light, and light into darkness,</em></p>
<p><em>who change bitter to sweet, and sweet into bitter!</em></p>
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<p>Is this what is happening in the world today? Things that are evil are called good and many say nothing. They are reticent to speak or may even convince themselves of the opposite of truth. Do the majority of people truly believe the nonsense that is directly opposed to the real truth? Or maybe the those who control the information highways are only telling you what they are promoting? Or are many people afraid to speak because they may be seen as stupid or perceived by the catch words of "bigot" or "hater" for not believing what the modernists have determined is the truth.</p>
<p>There is a battle going on between good and evil, truth and lies, God and the evil one. The good news is the battle has been won.There is nothing to fear. As Jesus tells us, <em>"I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world" John 16:33</em></p>
<p>Will you stand up for the truth or will you be like the subjects who know the truth but stand and do nothing? </p>
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</div>ann@osmm.org (Ann Stock)https://osmm.org/blog/emperors-new-clothesMon, 28 Aug 2017 10:30:58 -0500Our Sorrowful Mother's MinistryWhat is Truth?https://osmm.org/blog/what-truth
<div class="filter-wysiwyg clearfix"><p><em>"What is truth?"</em> These are the words Pontius Pilate spoke to Christ as he questioned Him. Pilate was speaking to Truth incarnate and did not recognize the truth. Jesus had already answered when Pilate asked if he were a king, <em>"For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice." </em> (John 18:37-38)</p>
<p>With the media being so pervasive in our everyday lives, we sometimes wonder what is really true. We can read one news report and hear what is presented as a complete story. But by emphasizing certain facts or omitting other facts, the media can portray a story in any way they choose. Depending on who is reporting, a story can have a completely different meaning. Even what stories are reported and which are left out influence our view on the world. The old adage of "who, what, where, when and how" in reporting is often ignored. Many stories are merely conjecture and opinions of the author. No real facts or as it is called now, f<em>ake news.</em> We may get a 15 second sound bite from an interview that lasted an hour. </p>
<p>What can a person do to really know the truth? Find a news outlet in your area that most seems to present facts with little opinion from the reporter. Read another account if available. Don't act too strongly or get upset over news stories that may not be presented accurately. Usually more facts emerge as time goes on. Limit your time reading or listening to news or current events. It is prudent to have a knowledge of what is happening in the world, but it is not prudent to dwell on it or have it become a source of stress or make us lose our peace. It should never make us lose hope.</p>
<p>God is in charge. No matter how bleak or awful things seem, there is always hope. A hope that never fails. The Truth is easy to find. Look to Jesus, He is the voice of Truth.</p>
<p>John 14:5-6 <em>Thomas said to him, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.</em></p>
<p>Romans 8:28 <em>We know that all things work for good for those who love God...</em></p>
<p>John 6:68 <em>Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.</em></p>
</div>ann@osmm.org (Ann Stock)https://osmm.org/blog/what-truthMon, 14 Aug 2017 16:49:27 -0500Our Sorrowful Mother's MinistryCut Someone Some Slackhttps://osmm.org/blog/cut-someone-some-slack
<div class="filter-wysiwyg clearfix"><p>It seems like there is so much tension in the world. The news media is consumed with politics. When one side does something, the other side is against it immediately. There is no consideration of what was done, if it may actually help someone or improve the common good. The assumption is, if the oppositon did it, its wrong. I think one political party could find the cure for cancer and the other side would find some fault in it.</p>
<p>What about our personal relationships? Are you quick to assume the negative about someone? Do you presume there is always an ulterior motive to others' actions. Do you see malice where none was intended?</p>
<p>Maybe things would go better for everyone if first we seek to understand. Listen to one another a little longer than you normally would. Assume the good will of everyone unless they prove you wrong. Then don't assume evil the next time you encounter them. Give them a break. Cut them some slack.</p>
<p>The reason we are so comfortable with our own families is that they accept us; bad moods, bad habits, bad tendencies and all. They love us and we love them. We know the little annoyances of every day life don't matter. We excuse them without a thought. Our love is so much greater they don't even produce a ripple. Try to extend that same courtesy to others in your everyday encounters.</p>
<p>Jesus, the source of infinite mercy, has excused us, with no exaggeration, a million times. We fall every day of our lives. We fail to love Him above all things. We choose other gods, like recreation, gluttony, greed, our egos, our friends, etc. We curse using His Holy Name. We tell little lies, sometimes big ones. We "borrow" things that don't belong to us. We steal time from others. We ruin reputations. You get it. We sin. But, who waits for us, unwarvering, with open arms? Who longs for us to return even when we may have ignoroed or rejected Him for years! Even if we've lived our entire life selfishly, we can repent at the eleventh hour. And who is there? Our Lord, Jesus Christ, waiting and yearning for our return; never failing to welcome us back. </p>
<p>If God can forgive us, no matter how terrible and persistant we have been in sinning, who are we to hold the faults and failings of our fellow men against them? Are we greater than God, Himself? </p>
<p>Learn to ignore a lot of little slights and truly insignificant actions.</p>
<p>Yes, we still recognize wrong doing, but correct lovingly and forgive quickly. Be Christ to others.</p>
</div>ann@osmm.org (Ann Stock)https://osmm.org/blog/cut-someone-some-slackWed, 26 Jul 2017 13:44:40 -0500Our Sorrowful Mother's MinistryWho's in Charge Here, Anyway?https://osmm.org/blog/whos-charge-here-anyway
<div class="filter-wysiwyg clearfix"><p>I was speaking to a friend and she remarked that her newlywed daughter was hesitating about having children. The daughter was of the opinion that she didn't want to bring children into the world because everything was so bad. Wow. Talk about "fake news". Never mind the fact that she promised to be open to having children at her wedding.</p>
<p>Is everything really bad? Catholcism has been persecuted since its beginnings. St. Paul, then Saul, was persecuting the followers of Christ from the first days of the Church. Most of the first Apostles were martyred for their faith. From halfway through the second century for the next 100 years, Christians were persecuted. In the 7th Century on Christianity was attacked by Islamic Rule, the Muslims, in England, during the French Revolution, and also in China and Japan. In more modern times, the Church has been persecuted by the Ottoman Empire, in Mexico , Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. There were many instances of violence against Catholics in America with the "Know Nothing" party in the mid-nineteenth century who were deeply opposed to immigrants, especially Catholics. Early immigrants were routinely taken advantage of as laborers with terrible living conditions and little pay. </p>
<p>There is no doubt that morality has taken a big down swing and little if anything is widely accepted as Truth. Times have been hard for the Church since Christ was crucified. But, those who currently rule and control the wealth of the world are not in charge. </p>
<p>God is in charge. Young people, do not believe the gloom and doom of the world. Whatever is being allowed by God at this time will ultimately be used for the salvation of souls and the greater good. </p>
<p>FolIow Christ. He has assured us. <em>"I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” John 16:33</em></p>
</div>ann@osmm.org (Ann Stock)https://osmm.org/blog/whos-charge-here-anywayFri, 21 Jul 2017 13:21:43 -0500Our Sorrowful Mother's MinistryGod Promises Us Mercy, Not Timehttps://osmm.org/blog/god-promises-us-mercy-not-time
<div class="filter-wysiwyg clearfix"><p>I read the statement that is the title of this post a few days ago. I've thought about it many times since. It's so simple but as is often true, the simplest statements pack the most truth. Jesus came to save us. We, poor souls, through original sin and our own weakened natures are a sinful people. We choose the easy route, seek our own interests and forget about our eternal souls and those of others. But God sent his Son to teach us the way. We have the great teachings of the Church and the Scriptures that show us how to live and we when we fail, we are to seek God's Mercy. God is waiting for us to turn to him with total trust in prayer and seek his mercy when we falter. </p>
<p>The one thing God doesn't promise us is time. Many of us tend to put things off until a more convenient time. We even do this with prayer. We wait until later in the day when we have finished our other duties. Then we may be too tired to pray and fall asleep. What about the sacraments? Sunday rolls around and we are tempeted to sleep late and tell ourselves that God understands and we'll get to mass next week. Week after week pass by and soon the habit of not going to mass is ingrained. This is just what the evil one wants you to believe. Don't worry, there is always time later to go to mass. Remember, the evil one is the father of all lies.</p>
<p>This is especially true with the sacrament of Confession. We keep putting it off or excuse ourselves of going. The devil is pleased if you do not seek God's mercy. He wants you to move away from your faith, to fail and to think you do not need God. There is a battle for your soul and the tactics to win your soul are very subtle. Among other schemes, they are procrastination, self-reliance and pride. </p>
<p>Time is not guaranteed. We are not promised tomorrow. We may not even have the next moment. Keep your eyes on the goal. Live in light of eternity. Your soul depends on it.</p>
</div>ann@osmm.org (Ann Stock)https://osmm.org/blog/god-promises-us-mercy-not-timeWed, 19 Jul 2017 07:59:42 -0500Our Sorrowful Mother's MinistryYou Don't Have "Forever"https://osmm.org/blog/you-dont-have-forever
<div class="filter-wysiwyg clearfix"><p>A couple of incidents that I have know about recently have caused me to think about time. I believe in eternity, but we often forget its not here on earth. In one recent accident that occurs far too often, a young woman through no fault of her own was killed in a car accident by someone who had crossed over the median and struck her at a high rate of speed. Another accident involved an older gentleman who made the same mistake and resulted in his own death. Both are traic with lives ending before their natural deaths. </p>
<p>How do any of us know when our time will come to leave this world? We begin our days in typical manner, working, eating, socializng with others and looking forward to a restful night. We think we have our day pretty well planned out and will be given the next day to carry on our lives. Much is left undone as we are certain we will have time later for the many things that we want to do.</p>
<p>But what if we really don't have that next day? If you suddenly found out that today was your last day, what would you do? Paint that bedroom you've been wanting to get done. Wash the car? Or skydive or some other risk-taking adventure? I doubt it. I'm not saying we should completely neglect all our duties in life or never seek a thrilling adventure. Our duties in life are necessary and serve a purpose. Having enjoyment while not being foolish is also good. But since we are not guaranteed unlimited time on earth, isn't more important to make sure we love those around us, heal torn relationships, be Christ to others and see Christ in them, pray more and love God here so we can spend eternity with Him in heaven? </p>
<p>Living life as if it was our last day on earth doesn't mean fulfilling our wildest dreams or living carelessly and foolishly. It is living our life in the time and place that God has chosen for us, fulfillng our duties in life, cheerfully and with gratitude and loving God and those in our lives with all our heart and being.</p>
</div>ann@osmm.org (Ann Stock)https://osmm.org/blog/you-dont-have-foreverSat, 15 Jul 2017 07:28:51 -0500Our Sorrowful Mother's Ministry